Application

Student Thespian Officer

2026

The Student Thespian Officer position for the Pennsylvania Thespians is CHANGING this year to align more closely with the values and expectations of EdTA and the International Thespian Officer Application Process.

To apply, a student must be a registered, inducted, active, high school Thespian member with paid dues, demonstrate strong leadership and theatre dedication, complete the official application process, and meet specific age or grade guidelines set by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

Core Leadership Traits Evaluated:

Communication and public speaking skills, interpersonal skills
Focus on service, organization, planning, creative problem solving, and collaboration with both peers and adult leadership.

Experience in leadership roles (such as a troupe officer or school leadership position).

Dedication to the promotion of theatre education, advocacy, and inclusion.
Ability to commit time to state board meetings, planning the Pennsylvania Thespian Festival, and representing student membership.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Troupe Directors may nominate ONE student to apply for consideration to be an STO for a one-year term. Students must demonstrate strong leadership skills, be inducted Thespians, and have their troupe director’s permission to apply. Students will need to complete an online application, attaching a resume of their Thespian activities (including all troupe-related activities, not just productions) and a headshot. Deadline: November 1

TROUPE DIRECTORS are responsible for the following if the student you nominate is accepted as an STO:

Transporting STO officers to and from all on-site meetings throughout the year and attending in-person meetings with their STO.
Participating in one or more committees as a temporary member of the board for the one-year term.
Participating in virtual planning meetings for the PA State Conference.
On-site organization, management, and execution of conference-related activities.

Sponsors need to be aware that allowing your student to apply for STO implies that you are also participating in the board for the year they are accepted. If your STO is removed for any reason, that would also affect your position on the board. Likewise, if you do not fulfill your board position, your STO cannot participate.

STO Candidates will participate in an individual and group interview process on site at conference as part of the STO Leadership Workshop. Specific

STO candidates must agree to these terms:

I understand that if elected I will be expected to attend the virtual and in-person Conference State Board meetings and to arrive one day prior to the conference for board preparation.

Conference board meetings are held virtually via Zoom on Sunday evenings, every other month. If I am unable to attend a meeting, I will notify the Chapter Director in a timely manner and do my best to communicate with my fellow STOs regularly. Failure to attend 2 or more meetings may result in removal from the board.

Communication of meetings and information will be done via email. STOs are expected to check their email regularly for PA Thespian business. Failure to meet these requirements could result in my removal from the STO position. If I am removed from the State Board, my sponsor will also be removed.

CLICK HERE FOR STO APPLICATION

CLICK HERE FOR SIGNATURE PAGE

Deadline

October 12, 2026